Course

Immune Functional Medicine Advanced Practice Modules® (APM)

Exploring the many faces of immune dysregulation, chronic infections, atopy, and autoimmune disorders

Online Cohort
Mar 17 - Apr 27, 2025
Calendar Icon ADD TO CALENDAR
Up to 22.5 CME/CE
$1,875.00
Membership discounts available

Conference Overview

How many patients in your practice regularly present with hallmark signs of an autoimmune disease, recurrent infections, or seasonal atopy? Of these patients, how many of them have an official autoimmune diagnosis? Many persistent symptoms that diminish patient quality of life go unexplained, but what if you could understand the underlying mechanisms behind them? The Immune APM explores the physiological, biochemical, and environmental influences on the immune system, providing you with new insight into the root causes of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. This course is designed to broaden your understanding of immune function and offers comprehensive strategies for effective modulation and balance of this critical body system.

Through evaluation of each patient’s personal and medical history, physical exam findings, and relevant laboratory tests, you will learn how to recognize patterns of chronic inflammation that contribute to immune system dysfunction. By connecting symptom manifestation to key lifestyle or environmental exposures, you will be able to pinpoint the root causes of disease and develop personalized treatment protocols that treat the whole person.  

New Online Cohort Format – Learn at Your Own Pace! 

The Immune APM is now offered as a six-week online cohort course! Learners can access course materials and review lectures when it is most convenient for them. The new format expands access to functional medicine education, allowing clinicians to balance the demands of their practice and their training.

100%
online
6
week cohort
22.5
CME/CE credit max

Learning Objectives

Advanced Practice Modules apply the foundational tools presented in Applying Functional in Medicine Clinical Practice (AFMCP)TM within a specific area of health. At the Immune APM, you'll learn how to:

  • Recognize chronic inflammation as a root cause of nearly every chronic disease.
  • Identify and differentiate between types of chronic inflammation present throughout the body. 
  • Interpret conventional and advanced laboratory biomarkers that may indicate inflammation or immune dysfunction.  
  • Determine the root causes of each patient’s chronic inflammation to personalize treatment.
  • Engage patients in clear dialogue about how immune dysfunction is contributing to their current conditions to help motivate them and improve treatment adherence.  
  • Develop more personalized treatments for chronic inflammation and immune dysfunction for each patient that include dietary changes, lifestyle modifications, and nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, and botanical treatments.  
  • Expand upon the functional medicine tools and concepts presented in Applying Functional Medicine in Clinical Practice (AFMCP)TM and pursue functional medicine certification. 
Physician talking to patient about functional medicine care for her autoimmune condition

Explore underlying mechanisms of immune function 

Using case-based, interactive presentations that model real world scenarios, this module will help clinicians understand the factors underpinning immune system function and dysfunction, offering new approaches for effective whole person assessment and treatment. 
See what’s included 
Overhead view of the hands of three providers from all specialties collaborating on patients' autoimmune cases

Who should attend this course? 

Autoimmune conditions are prevalent and increasingly complex. Providers in all care settings can benefit from learning functional medicine approaches that help patients optimize their immune system health using a range of therapeutic and lifestyle modalities. 
Learn more about course attendees 
An older man outside stretching before exercising. Exercise is a lifestyle modification with beneficial effects on a patient's immune system.
Quote

The Immune APM is a great start to understanding more about a functional approach to the myriad of immune-mediated disease that is increasing in our population."

— Immune APM Attendee, 2022

Pricing

The standard pricing of the program is reflected below. When logged in to your IFM account, available discounts are automatically applied to pricing in your cart. Please note that CME is available for an additional $160. Cancellations are subject to our program cancellation fees.

Regular

$1,875.00

IFM Member

Not an IFM Member yet?
Sign up today
$1,687.50

Military/VA

Apply for
Military Status
$1,593.75

Student/Resident

Apply for
Resident or Medical Student Tuition
$1,125.00

Group Rates*

*Prices vary depending on practice or organization size. Learn more about
Group Rates
Prices vary

REFERENCES

  1. Autoimmune diseases. National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. Reviewed May 31, 2022. Accessed October 30, 2023. https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/conditions/autoimmune/index.cfm  
  2. Conrad N, Misra S, Verbakel JY, et al. Incidence, prevalence, and co-occurrence of autoimmune disorders over time and by age, sex, and socioeconomic status: a population-based cohort study of 22 million individuals in the UK. Lancet. 2023;401(10391):1878-1890. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(23)00457-9
  3. Blumberg RS, Dittel B, Hafler D, von Herrath M, Nestle FO. Unraveling the autoimmune translational research process layer by layer. Nat Med. 2012;18(1):35-41. doi:10.1038/nm.2632
  4. Hochberg MC, Cisternas MG, Watkins-Castillo SI. Rheumatoid arthritis. In: Weinstein S, Watkins-Castillo SI, Yelin E, et al. The Burden of Musculoskeletal Diseases in the United States: Prevalence, Societal and Economic Costs (BMUS). 4th ed. United States Bone and Joint Initiative; 2020. Accessed October 30, 2023. https://www.boneandjointburden.org/fourth-edition/iiib21/rheumatoid-arthritis  
  5. Seité S, Kuo AM, Taieb C, Strugar TL, Lio P. Self-reported prevalence of allergies in the USA and impact on skin—an epidemiological study on a representative sample of American adults. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2020;17(10):3360. doi:10.3390/ijerph17103360
  6. Bylund S, Kobyletzki LB, Svalstedt M, Svensson Å. Prevalence and incidence of atopic dermatitis: a systematic review. Acta Derm Venereol. 2020;100(12):adv00160. doi:10.2340/00015555-3510
  7. Martinez A, de la Rosa R, Mujahid M, Thakur N. Structural racism and its pathways to asthma and atopic dermatitis. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2021;148(5):1112-1120. doi:10.1016/j.jaci.2021.09.020
  8. Droz N, Hanaway P, Hyman M, Jin Y, Beidelschies M, Husni ME. The impact of functional medicine on patient-reported outcomes in inflammatory arthritis: a retrospective study. PLoS One. 2020;15(10):e0240416. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0240416
  9. Schönenberger KA, Schüpfer AC, Gloy VL, et al. Effect of anti-inflammatory diets on pain in rheumatoid arthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Nutrients. 2021;13(12):4221. doi:10.3390/nu13124221
  10. Beam A, Clinger E, Hao L. Effect of diet and dietary components on the composition of the gut microbiota. Nutrients. 2021;13(8):2795. doi:10.3390/nu13082795
  11. Mohamed AA, Alawna M. The effect of aerobic exercise on immune biomarkers and symptoms severity and progression in patients with COVID-19: a randomized control trial. J Bodyw Mov Ther. 2021;28:425-432. doi:10.1016/j.jbmt.2021.07.012
  12. Azeez M, Clancy C, O'Dwyer T, Lahiff C, Wilson F, Cunnane G. Benefits of exercise in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a randomized controlled trial of a patient-specific exercise programme. Clin Rheumatol. 2020;39(6):1783-1792. doi:10.1007/s10067-020-04937-4
  13. Koumpagioti D, Boutopoulou B, Moriki D, Priftis KN, Douros K. Does adherence to the Mediterranean diet have a protective effect against asthma and allergies in children? A systematic review. Nutrients. 2022;14(8):1618. doi:10.3390/nu14081618 

Don't miss the latest functional medicine news and research. Sign up for IFM's Clinical Digest.

What’s Included in the Immune APM?

On-Demand Video Lectures

Over 22 hours of clinical presentations from leading functional medicine experts in immune health. Access to the course can be gained from anywhere with a stable internet connection.

Downloadable Course Materials



Access downloadable PDFs of the presentations to follow along with while working through the course.

A woman attending the Immune APM live Q&A sessions from her laptop.

Live Q&A Sessions

Ask questions related to the course materials during two live Q&A sessions with the educators. These sessions are designed to expand upon course concepts and offer clarity on their clinical applications. Recordings will be available to those who have completed the course.
Physician talking to patient about their autoimmune condition using the IFM toolkit items

IFM Clinical Toolkit

Six-week access to a curated selection of tools and resources taught in course curriculum. Toolkits are downloadable documents that may be used immediately with patients for the duration of the course.
Practitioner utilizing IFM's private community discussion forum to chat with fellow Immune APM attendees.

Online Clinical Community Forum

Network and chat with other attendees on a private group forum. IFM facilitators and educators will moderate discussions to further the understanding of the course materials.

Post-Conference Benefits

Video + Audio Recordings

MP3 audio recordings and MP4 video recordings will be made available after the close of the course to those who have completed the course. Course materials access lasts for one year post-cohort.

Downloadable Post-Course Materials

Upon finishing the course, you’ll receive a series of post-course lectures to reinforce and further explore functional medicine topics. 

Certificate of Completion 

Those who complete the course will receive a certificate noting their achievement; those completing the course for CME/CE credit will receive a certificate stating the credit hours commensurate with their participation.
CME/CE Credit

Want to Become Certified in Functional Medicine? 

Certification makes a difference and sets apart your knowledge and achievement in the field of functional medicine. Course hours at the Immune APM are eligible toward the 100 hours of accredited education required to qualify for the Functional Medicine Certification ProgramTM. Other eligible courses include Applying Functional Medicine in Clinical Practice (AFMCP)TM and the five other individual Functional Medicine Advanced Practice Modules (APMs): Cardiometabolic, Hormone, Bioenergetics, GI, and Environmental Health.

Learn more about certification

Don't miss the latest functional medicine news and research. Sign up for IFM's Clinical Digest.

Who is this course for?

Passionate healthcare providers who are dedicated to helping their patients and clients achieve the highest expression of health possible should attend the Immune APM*. Common degree types include MD, DO, NP, PA, ND, and DC, as well as nursing professionals, nutritionists and dieticians, health coaches, pharmacy professionals, dentists, and other disciplines. Clinicians within the field of immunology are encouraged to attend. 

*APMs are advanced functional medicine courses that build upon foundational concepts presented in AFMCP. To make the most of your experience, we strongly recommend taking AFMCP to start your educational journey.

 

Don't miss the latest functional medicine news and research. Sign up for IFM's Clinical Digest.

Meet the Immune Educators

With years of experience practicing functional medicine within the area of immune health, our educators provide practical clinical insight to help you master course concepts and effectively apply functional medicine with your patients.


 

Robert Rountree, MD Robert Rountree, MD

Helen Messier, PhD, MD  Helen Messier, PhD, MD 

Kara Fitzgerald, ND Kara Fitzgerald, ND

Thomas A. Sult, MD, IFMCP

Course Schedule

The Immune APM contains over 22 hours of clinical presentations with educators. Learn at your own pace with on-demand lectures.

Chapter 1 Time Estimation Educator(s)
Welcome and Introduction 15 minutes Dan Lukaczer, ND
Underlying Concepts of Immune Dysfunction and Inflammation, Part 1 105 minutes Robert Rountree, MD
Underlying Concepts of Immune Dysfunction and Inflammation, Part 2 75 minutes Robert Rountree, MD
The Dietary Prescription for Chronic Inflammation & Autoimmune Conditions and Pre-recorded Q&A 90 minutes Helen Messier, PhD, MD
Therapeutic Uses of Essential Fatty Acids 75 minutes Kara Fitzgerald, ND
Laboratory Testing of Biomarkers of Immune Dysfunction and Pre-recorded Q&A 90 minutes Robert Rountree, MD
Pre-recorded Q&A Session 30 minutes Robert Rountree, MD
Kara Fitzgerald, ND
Dan Lukaczer, ND
Chapter 2 Time Estimation Educator(s)
Food Allergies, Sensitivities, and Intolerances: Diagnosis and Treatment 90 minutes Kara Fitzgerald, ND
Round Table Discussion: Food Reactions 30 minutes Tom Sult, MD
Kara Fitzgerald, ND
Dan Lukaczer, ND
Therapeutic Uses of Anti-Inflammatory Botanicals and Phytochemicals Part 1 and Pre-recorded Q&A 60 minutes Helen Messier, PhD, MD
Therapeutic Uses of Anti-Inflammatory Botanicals and Phytochemicals Part 2 and Pre-recorded Q&A 60 minutes Helen Messier, PhD, MD
Underlying Rationale for Use of Immunomodulators 90 minutes Robert Rountree, MD
Roundtable Discussion: Immunomodulators and Anti-Inflammatories 30 minutes Helen Messier, PhD, MD
Robert Rountree, MD
Dan Lukaczer, ND
Chapter 3 Time Estimation Educator(s)
Assessment of Chronic Infections, Part 1: Occult/Chronic Infections and Pre-recorded Q&A 90 minutes Tom Sult, MD
Case Management of Chronic Infections 60 minutes Tom Sult, MD
GI Testing: The Foundations 60 minutes Helen Messier, PhD, MD
Assessment of Chronic Infections, Part 2: Dysbiosis 75 minutes Helen Messier, PhD, MD
Round Table Discussion: Dysbiosis and Chronic Infections 30 minutes Helen Messier, PhD, MD
Tom Sult, MD
Dan Lukaczer, ND
Chapter 4 Time Estimation Educator(s)
Case Management of Allergic, Atopy, and Mast Cell Activation 60 minutes Kara Fitzgerald, ND
Case Management of Autoimmune Disease 60 minutes Robert Rountree, MD
Round Table and Pre-recorded Q&A Discussion 30 minutes Kara Fitzgerald, ND
Robert Rountree, MD
Dan Lukaczerm ND
Summary: Key Clinical Applications and Closing 45 minutes Robert Rountree, MD

Don't miss the latest functional medicine news and research. Sign up for IFM's Clinical Digest.

What would you tell your friends or colleagues about the Immune APM?

A female practitioner sitting at her desk while taking the Immune APM course.
Quote

This course unravels the deep complexity of the immune system into simple principles, and provides actionable advice about how to diagnose and manage the most common problems concerning immune dysregulation, aiming toward root causes through lifestyle change and targeted supplementation. You also have direct access to some of the world's experts on treating these disorders with a proven track record of success."

— Immune APM Attendee, 2022

Don't miss the latest functional medicine news and research. Sign up for IFM's Clinical Digest.

ACCME Accredited with Commendation Logo

Participate in Accredited Functional Medicine Training

Direct accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) ensures IFM’s training meets rigorous standards for educational excellence and is relevant to clinicians’ needs, evidence-based, evaluated for its effectiveness, and independent of commercial influence.
Learn about the value of accredited trainings

CME /CE Credit Information

The CME/CE option is intended for clinicians who need to fulfill continuing education requirements. If you do not need CME/CE credits, you may purchase the non-CME option. The CME/CE credit option is non-refundable. This option ensures your certificate of completion will indicate CME/CE hours of participation. Learners who do not complete the course within the time frame provided will lose access to all course materials and CME/CE credit. No partial CME/CE credit will be awarded.

The Institute for Functional Medicine is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

  • MD/DO: The Institute for Functional Medicine designates this live activity for a maximum of 22.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity. 
  • New! ABP MOC points available: Successful completion of this CME activity, which includes participation in the evaluation component, enables the learner to earn up to 22.5 MOC points in the American Board of Pediatrics’ (ABP) maintenance of certification (MOC) program. It is the CME activity provider’s responsibility to submit learner completion information to ACCME for the purpose of granting ABP MOC credit.
  • ABIM MOC points available: Successful completion of this CME activity, which includes participation in the evaluation component, enables the participant to earn up to 22.5 Medical Knowledge MOC points in the American Board of Internal Medicine’s (ABIM) maintenance of certification (MOC) program. Participants will earn MOC points equivalent to the amount of CME credits claimed for the activity. It is the CME activity provider’s responsibility to submit participant completion information to ACCME for the purpose of granting ABIM MOC credit.
  • DC: Northwestern Health Sciences University (NWHSU) provides continuing education credit for chiropractic physicians. Continuing education approval applications are submitted by NWHSU to all state chiropractic boards except Alberta, Arizona, California, Florida, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, New York, Oklahoma, Texas, Tennessee, and Wisconsin. For a complete list of states and approval hours, please contact IFM. For a complete list of states and approval hours, please email [email protected].
  • ND: Generally, state naturopathic boards accept courses accredited through the ACCME.
  • Nursing Professional: The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) accept contact hours approved through ACCME.
  • PA: The American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) accepts contact hours approved through ACCME.
  • RD: The Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) accepts contact hours approved through ACCME.
  • Acupuncturist: IFM is a continuing education provider of the California Acupuncture Board (CAB). This course has been approved by CAB, Provider Number 0232, for 22.5 Category 1 hours of continuing education. Per the Recertification Handbook of the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM), courses approved by a state acupuncture regulatory board are eligible to submit with the re-certification application. Note: California acupuncturists must participate in this course in full to receive CPEUs. Partial credit is not available.
  • Other: For information on applicability and acceptance of continuing education credit for this activity, please consult your professional licensing board or other credentialing organization regarding the acceptance of contact hours through ACCME-accredited organizations.

* CME/CE credits are subject to change.

Don't miss the latest functional medicine news and research. Sign up for IFM's Clinical Digest.

Opportunities to Support

We’re thrilled to offer you a chance to engage with a global community of practitioners dedicated to advancing functional medicine. By supporting IFM’s Core Programs, you’ll have prime visibility to showcase your brand, products, and services while building meaningful connections with a diverse and influential audience.

Ready to make an impact?

Fill out the form below, and a member of our team will connect with you to provide detailed information on exhibit and sponsorship opportunities, helping you discover how your brand can make a lasting impact at an IFM Core Program. 
 
2025 Core Program Exhibitor Prospectus 

Exhibiting interest form

Why Support?

An eye representing attention

Reach dedicated functional medicine practitioners

Foster meaningful engagement with our diverse audience.
A drawn figure promoting their products

Improve brand recognition

Secure prime visibility for your brand among a highly-engaged community of functional medicine professionals.
A medical symbol that represents an exhibitor focus

Showcase products and services

Promote your solutions and convey your message to our audience of practitioners eager to learn about the latest innovations in functional medicine research, evidence, and practice implementation resources.

Immune APM Course Policies

Registration Policy

Program materials and certificates of completion are delivered to you through your personal IFM online account. Online access cannot be shared – course materials, course content, and CME/CE credit are provided to the individual registrant only. For this reason, you may not register multiple people or someone other than yourself. No registrations will be taken after 4:00 pm PT, Monday, March 24, 2025.

Participation Policy

Participants of the Immune Advanced Practice Module have six weeks from the course start date (Monday, March 17) to complete the program. Six-week access to IFM’s Clinical Practice Toolkit is included beginning on the course start date (Monday, March 17). Learners who do not complete within the time frame will lose access to all course materials. Our systems do not allow for course extensions for any reason. No partial CME/CE credit will be awarded.

Remember, it is required that you participate in this program. To fulfill the participation requirements necessary for the course to count toward certification, you must log in and complete the course, as applicable, and also complete any required knowledge checks and/or evaluations by the stated deadline. Where applicable, course knowledge check and/or evaluation instructions will be emailed to you after registration and/or at the conclusion of the course. For courses that qualify for continuing medical education (CME) credits, to receive CME credits, you must complete any required course evaluation(s) and a timecard by the stated deadline within the course. Where applicable, course evaluation and timecard instructions will be emailed to you.
IFM Code of ConductOpens in new tab icon

Cancellation Policy

Tuition is non-transferable. Failure to log in to the course with no prior written cancellation or switch will result in complete forfeiture of tuition and course materials, and the course will not count toward certification (non-refundable, non-transferable, no exceptions). Program materials are available only to registered participants. Log-in information is unique and cannot be shared. If you have completed your purchase through Affirm, your cancellation will incur an additional fee of up to 6%.

Cancellation requests must be submitted via the Course Cancellation Form. IFM will reply with a written acknowledgement once processed.
Course cancellation form
*Next tier of fees in effect at midnight Pacific Time
Cancellation Request Received Eligible Refund
Date of registration/purchase – February 15, 2025* Refund less 10% administrative fee
February 16, 2025 - March 16, 2025* Refund less 25% administrative fee
March 17, 2025 - March 27, 2025* Refund less 50% administrative fee
March 28, 2025 – End of course No refund

Don't miss the latest functional medicine news and research. Sign up for IFM's Clinical Digest.

Frequently Asked Questions

More Information About the Immune APM

This course will focus on chronic inflammation, systemic influences on the immune system, and the consequent dysfunction that may ensue. The Immune APM will supply you with an in-depth understanding of underlying immune mechanisms and enable you to develop effective interventions, even in the absence of a conventional diagnosis.  

22 hours of on-demand clinical presentations so learners can come and go as they please within a six-week timeframe.  

PDFs of the slides and recordings of the presentations are included. Learners are provided access to downloadable content from IFM’s Toolkit, including patient handouts, customizable food plans, and other tools to assist in guiding patients through making sustainable lifestyle changes. Please note that for attendees who are not currently IFM members, the course comes with access to the IFM Toolkit for six weeks only.  

Have additional questions?

Visit the IFM Help Center

Don't miss the latest functional medicine news and research. Sign up for IFM's Clinical Digest.